Sydney Collier working with U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt and Wes Dunham at the Training Camp. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall.
Lyman, Maine – May 22, 2015 – Para-Equestrian Dressage riders, Veterans, and Para-Drivers are looking forward to Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp scheduled May 26-30, 2015. Carlisle Academy in Lyman, Maine, a Premier Accredited PATH Center and national leader in grassroots development for para-equestrian sports, has been the educational link for developing athletes and coaches. Carlisle along with the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have been developing hands on workshops that address areas such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs and type of horses needed for high performance competition. Para Pipeline Training Camp for Para-Dressage riders is May 26-30, Para-Dressage Coaches’ Seminar & Rider Education Day is scheduled for May 27, and Introduction to Para-Driving is May 30, 2015. Carlisle Charitable Foundation, an independently governed 501(c)(3) organization and the Academy’s philanthropic partner, supports para-equestrians who participate in Carlisle’s camps and clinics. A scholarship funding request of $250 in tuition assistance can be made through the “Zoe Fund” for Para-Dressage riders. In addition, USPEA 501(c)(3) is offering tuition reimbursement grants of $250 to those that participate in the Para-Dressage Camp. Para-Drivers interested in participating will be given full tuition, through USEF Para-Driving, for the clinic on May 30. In addition to Para-Dressage and Para-Driving, the Pipeline Training Camp is offering a free Veteran’s Information session on May 27th at 2:30 PM.
Expert clinicians include Kai Handt (USEF Chef d’Equipe in Para-Dressage) and David Schmutz (FEI 4* Para-Dressage Judge, USEF “S” Dressage Judge), and Diane Kastama (FEI Para-Driving Medalist, Vice President of USDFD, USEF PE Technical Committee).
Included in the Workshop and Lecture portion of the camps are: adaptive equipment/compensating aids; classification lecture/ability for national classification; para-dressage introduction & rules; video and discussion review of current para-dressage tests; riding mock tests with clinician/judges feedback; and a coaches’ forum.
The focus in these camps is on the grassroots pipeline programs. Carlisle Academy’s Para Pipeline Camps are recommended by the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Para-Equestrian Association for rider and coach development. Eight Continuing Education Units are available to all coaches who complete the Para-Dressage Coaches’ Seminar (May 27) towards a Para-Equestrian Coaching Certificate Program (in development).
President of the USPEA, Hope Hand, noted, “The Carlisle Training Camps provide our developing athletes the opportunity to experience what it takes to get ready for the competition arena. USPEA and USEF recommend and support Carlisle’s progressive program tracks that encompass all aspects of the physical and mental components in becoming successful in reaching one’s equestrian goals. For the athlete or the professional that wants to learn more about the equestrian para sports or become a member of our training and coaching staff, Carlisle along with the USPEA and the USEF have been developing hands on workshops that address areas such as: training tips, adaptive equipment needs, and type of horses that are suitable for each grade. These camps are a wonderful opportunity for the Para Equestrian enthusiasts to learn from the experts.”
Sarah Armentrout, Head of School at Carlisle Academy, responded, “We are excited to help broaden the base of para-equestrians in the United States and create more high-quality sport opportunities for riders with disabilities.”
Highlights of Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp
May 26-30, 2015 – Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp
May 27, 2015 – Para-Dressage Coaches’ Seminar & Rider Education Day
May 27, 2015 at 2:30 PM – Veteran Information session
May 30, 2015 – Introduction to Para-Driving
2015 Para-Equestrian Clinics and Symposiums:
June 14-16, 2015 8pm-5pm – USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium.
Develop the Coach Program for Coaches and Selected High Performance Riders in Rancho Murieta, CA.
Clinicians: Kai Handt (USEF Chef d’Equipe in Para-Dressage), Carlos Lopes (5* FEI Para Equestrian Dressage Judge).
$250 USPEA Tuition Reimbursement Applies.
Contact Laureen Johnson at USEF for an application at lkjohnson@usef.org or 908-326-1155. Visit: http://uspea.org/may-17-2015-prepare-now-for-the-usef-high-performance-west-coast-para-equestrian-dressage-symposium/.
June 15-16, 2015 9am – USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Driving Clinic for Coaches and High Performance Drivers, Rancho Murieta, CA.
All levels welcome Novice to Advanced; there is no fee and those interested may borrow a horse and carriage or use their own.
Clinicians: Hardy Zantke and Diane Kastama.
USEF Para-Driving will be providing full tuition.
Contact Laureen Johnson at USEF for an application at lkjohnson@usef.org or 908-326-1155. Visit: http://uspea.org/may-17-2015-usef-high-performance-west-coast-para-equestrian-driving-clinic/.
Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp
August 25-29, 2015 – Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp scheduled
August 26, 2015 – Para-Dressage Coaches’ Seminar & Rider Education Day
August 26, 2015 at 2:30 PM – Veteran Information session
August 29, 2015 – Para-Reining Demonstration, Time and Day to be announced
Additional Para-Driving Clinic:
Oct 5-6, 2015 – Para Driving Clinic at Gayla Driving Center, Georgetown, KY.
Clinician: Sara Schmitt – 2014 Coach of Team USA.
Contact Diane Kastama at dkastama@verizon.net or 805-343-6026. http://www.gayladrivingcenter.com/.
Scholarship Support:
$250 “Zoe Fund” Tuition Support
The Carlisle Charitable Foundation, an independently governed 501(c)(3) organization and the Academy’s philanthropic partner, supports para-equestrians who participate in Carlisle’s camps and clinics. A scholarship funding request can be made through the “Zoe Fund” of Carlisle Charitable Foundation. More information is available at www.carlislecharitablefoundation.org. (207-467-3242).
$250 USPEA Tuition Reimbursement
The United States Para-Equestrian Association 501 (c)(3) is providing $250 Tuition Reimbursement for Para-Dressage participants in both the Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp and the USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium Develop the Coach Program for Coaches and Selected High Performance Riders. Please contact President Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org for more information.
Free Para-Driving Clinics
Para-Drivers interested in participating will be given full tuition, through USEF Para-Driving, for the Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp Para-Driving clinic on May 30 and the USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Driving Clinic for Coaches and High Performance Drivers Rancho Murieta, CA.
For more information about Carlisle Academy’s Para-Equestrian Pipeline Training Camp, please contact Carlisle Academy Head of School, Sarah Armentrout at 207-985-0374, or sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com.
Eligibility requirements and more information on the various para-equestrian disciplines can be found at the United States Para Equestrian Association (www.uspea.org), the United States Equestrian Federation (www.usef.org), and the FÉDÉRATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE (www.FEI.org).
About United States Para-Equestrian Association:
The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.
The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.